Dunn Chevrolet - The Lost Dealership of Roanoke

Until it closed in 2007, no one had any idea the treasure trove of NOS parts and GM nostalgia that was stored inside the walls of Dunn Chevrolet

Dunn Chevrolet operated by father and son James and James Jr. out of this building from 1941 to 2007, selling Chevrolets, Oldsmobiles, and even Geos for a while. The building was originally a livery stable built in the 20s, with the old stables eventually being used as parts storage for the dealership.

As kids, we all remember dreams of finding buried treasure or some lost relic as our imaginations ran wild through the fields of our youth. Growing up these dreams fade and give way to more adult realities, but for car guys we never lose that dream of unearthing the buried automotive treasure that you only hear about in legends. From the hidden in a barn '57 Fuelie to the L-78 Camaro a little old lady kept in her garage for decades, we always keep our eyes open for the lost or forgotten Bowtie treasures that could be lurking underneath a sheet, behind a barn door, or in a basement of an old warehouse.

Keith Rowell found not just a single item, but a whole treasure trove of GM artifacts and new-old-stock (NOS) jewels that hadn't seen the light of day in decades. Boxes of parts still in original boxes from the 30s, 40s, 50s, all the way up to today. Original NOS sheet metal still in shipping crates, original tires, all sorts of amazing parts and pieces. Originally Keith purchased the contents to try and reopen the dealership and sell cars again, since the business was profitable up to the day the doors were locked for the final time. But, with GM's current financial crisis, the support wasn't there to keep the dealership alive.

So, the next option of finding a purpose for everything stored in the dealership was chosen. Right now Keith and his friends are going through everything, working on grouping and cataloging all items for possible auction in batches, or maybe selling the whole contents at a Barrett-Jackson auction.

Follow along as we walk back through time to the golden age of Chevrolet and the American car industry, and explore the amazing cache of objects inside this unassuming brick building.

Check out this fully loaded 1970 Chevrolet Camaro which features a small-block LS7 engine, Quadralink rear suspension, a Tremec TKO 600 5-speed trans, and much more! Check out further vehicle specs and pictures at Camaro Performers Magazine. » Read More